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Dinner doesn’t get easier or more flavorful than this 10 Minute Garlic and Tomato Pasta. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, this dish gives you bold, fresh flavors in practically no time.
The blistered tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper create a simple and satisfying sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
Try This Next: If you love fast and easy pasta dishes, try my Lemon Garlic Pasta or Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy – This pasta comes together in just 10 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold, fresh flavor – The combination of garlic, blistered tomatoes, and a touch of red pepper creates a vibrant sauce without any heavy cream or butter.
- One-pan sauce – No need for a separate saucepan; the pasta finishes cooking right in the tomato and garlic mixture for extra flavor and fewer dishes.
- Customizable – Use any pasta shape you have on hand and adjust the spice level to suit your taste or your family’s preferences.
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
Before You Begin
Assemble all of your ingredients together, including any special tools you might need. Using a garlic press? Dig through those drawers and and get it out!
Ingredients
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes – These small tomatoes burst quickly when heated, releasing their juices and creating a naturally sweet and tangy sauce. No need to slice them.
- Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key here. It adds depth and sharpness to the sauce that jarred garlic just can’t match.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little heat. Start with ⅛ teaspoon for mild spice and adjust to your taste.
- High-Quality Pasta – Choose a good brand of spaghetti or your favorite shape. Higher-quality pasta has a better texture and holds onto the sauce more effectively.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This is the base of the sauce, so go for a good one if you can. Its flavor really shines through.
How To Make Garlic Tomato Pasta
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s about three-quarters done.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the tomatoes begin to blister, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in a ladle of the pasta water and the chopped parsley.
Add the partially cooked pasta to the pan and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Season to taste and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh grape or cherry tomatoes give the best texture and flavor for this quick-cook method, but in a pinch, you can use drained canned whole or diced tomatoes. Just note the sauce will be more saucy.
What if I don’t have parsley?
You can skip it or substitute with fresh basil for a slightly different flavor. Dried parsley won’t give the same freshness, but can be used in small amounts.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only slightly. The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them entirely to make it more kid-friendly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well. If making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Swap spaghetti for penne, linguine, or whatever pasta you have on hand. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or toss in some spinach right at the end for a quick veggie boost.
For a kid-friendly version, skip the red pepper flakes or reduce them to taste.
Storage Tips
The Best Way to Store Leftovers
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pan on the stove, adding a little water or broth to rehydrate.
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before adding it to the pan. It will finish cooking with the sauce and absorb more flavor.
- Save extra pasta water. It’s great for adjusting the consistency of the sauce if needed.
Try These Pasta Recipes Next
- Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
- French Onion Chicken Casserole
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Mac and Cheese Bites
- Spaghetti Mac and Cheese
10 Minute Garlic and Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound half a box dry spaghetti
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 cloves of fresh garlic minced
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup parsley roughly chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti and cook, until about three-quarters of the way done.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes before adding the tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes begin to blister, about 2-3 minutes. Add a ladle full of the pasta water and the chopped parsley to the tomatoes.
- When the pasta is three-quarters of the way cooked (it will still have a good bite to it), remove it from the water and add it to the saute pan. The liquid will reduce as the pasta finishes to form a sauce.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
We make this all the time but I sub out the parsley for basil. Yum!
Sounds like a great swap!
Love this recipe! Have made it a few time. Super easy. Thank you for sharing.
Made this for dinner last night. It was delicious and easy to put together. I’ll definitely be making it again! Thank you for sharing. ?
MMMMmm….looks and sounds delish! My neighbor just gave me a bag of cherry tomatoes today, so I will be making this one tomorrow! Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing.
This garlic tomato pasta looks fabulous! A good way to gather up the last of the tomatoes beauties hiding in your garden! Thank you again for the inspiration!